Okay, let’s be real.
Wellness in 2025 can feel like trying to stay afloat in a sea of superfoods, wearables, and people who say things like “my nervous system is dysregulated” before 9 a.m.
One day it’s mushroom coffee, the next it’s snorting ceremonial cacao (yes, that’s a thing). If you’ve ever felt like wellness is starting to look suspiciously like a full-time job with no PTO... same.
So we decided to do a little digging, a little experimenting, and a whole lotta asking: Is this a legit biohack… or total BS?
Spoiler alert: Some of it’s fluff. Some of it’s gold. All of it’s fascinating. Let’s get into it.
🧠 Brain Care is the New Skincare
Because a glowing brain > a glowing serum.
The Pros:
- Improves focus, mental clarity, and memory
- Tools like neurofeedback and nootropics are showing real promise
- Helps combat overstimulation and tech fatigue
The Cons:
- Can get pricey fast (hello $200 headsets)
- Results vary big time from person to person
The verdict: For busy brains in a burnout world, supporting your mental clarity with the right tools can be a game-changer. Just do your research—and maybe don’t buy brain pills from a random Instagram ad.
🔴 Red Light Therapy: Hype or Healing?
Instagram’s favorite glow-up… but is it worth the red light rave?
The Pros:
- Clinically backed benefits: reduced inflammation, boosted collagen, faster recovery
- Helps balance circadian rhythm and support sleep
- Feels relaxing and is non-invasive
The Cons:
- Not instant—takes consistent use
- At-home devices can be weak or overpriced
- Still a lot of misinformation floating around
The verdict: Solid science, real results—especially for skin, energy, and mood. Not all red light is created equal, so know what you’re getting… but this one’s more glow than gimmick.
🥤 Mineral Replenishment: Just a Trendy Gatorade?
Turns out hydration isn’t just about water. Minerals matter.
The Pros:
- Replenishes what stress, sweat, and caffeine deplete
- Supports mood, energy, and electrolyte balance
- Easy to implement (hello, LMNT and adrenal cocktails)
The Cons:
- Can be overdone (especially sodium-heavy mixes)
- Not all supplements are created equal
- Might not be a magic fix for fatigue
The verdict: A low-lift, high-reward addition to your routine—especially if you’re always tired and can’t figure out why. Worth sipping on.
❄️ Nervous System Regulation: Buzzword or Real Deal?
“Regulate your nervous system” is the new “drink more water.”
The Pros:
- Helps you feel safe, grounded, and calm
- Supports digestion, hormone balance, and immunity
- Simple tools: cold plunges, float therapy, singing, vagus nerve work
The Cons:
- Often over-complicated on social media
- Takes consistency to feel results
- Not every method works for every body
The verdict: Less trendy than it sounds—it’s real, and it matters. Whether you float, hum, or plunge into an ice bath, find what calms your system and make it a ritual.
📊 Glucose Tracking (Even If You’re Not Diabetic)
Yes, people are wearing sensors to see how oatmeal affects their blood sugar.
The Pros:
- Reveals how your body responds to food, sleep, and stress
- Can reduce energy crashes, mood swings, and cravings
- Great for personalizing your nutrition
The Cons:
- Can be obsessive if you have a history with food tracking
- Devices are pricey
The verdict: Super insightful for bio-curious types, but not a must for everyone. Use the data to empower, not restrict.
👄 Mouth Taping: Sleep Hack or Just Sticky Hype?
Yep, you read that right. People are literally taping their mouths shut at night. And no, it’s not part of a silent retreat or a weird couples therapy challenge—it’s all in the name of better breathing.
The idea? Taping your lips closed encourages nasal breathing while you sleep, which can lead to better oxygenation, improved sleep quality, and even fewer snores.
The Pros (why TikTok and dentists are into it):
- Better oxygen exchange: Nasal breathing helps filter, humidify, and regulate airflow—unlike mouth breathing, which can be more shallow and disruptive.
- Improved sleep quality: Studies suggest nasal breathing promotes deeper, more restful sleep and less waking during the night.
- Less dry mouth + bad breath: Breathing through your nose = less desert-mouth and less bacteria buildup.
- May reduce snoring: Especially for people who snore from mouth-breathing patterns.
The Cons (because waking up in a panic isn’t cute):
- Can feel claustrophobic or restrictive: If you have anxiety or just really don’t like the idea of something covering your mouth… maybe not for you.
- Not safe for everyone: People with nasal congestion, sleep apnea, or sinus issues should check with a doctor before hopping on the tape train.
- Quality matters: Slapping on any old tape (no, not duct tape) can irritate your skin. Look for breathable, skin-safe options designed for sleep.
The verdict: For the right person, with the right setup, it can be a simple hack that delivers better sleep. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—and if it stresses you out? Not worth it.
🥩 The Carnivore Diet: Simplified Eating or Nutritional Red Flag?
Ah yes, the carnivore diet. Where salad is basically a four-letter word and your plate is 100% steak, 0% color.
This all-meat, zero-carb eating plan is trending hard in 2025—and not just with extreme bodybuilders or polarizing podcasters. Regular folks are giving it a shot, swearing it’s cured everything from joint pain to brain fog.
But is it a healing hack… or just a glorified meat parade?
The Pros (aka, why people are loving it):
- Elimination clarity: Stripping your diet down to the basics (literally meat, salt, and water) can help identify food sensitivities.
- Reduced inflammation: Some people report less bloating, joint pain, and skin issues.
- Simplified eating: No counting, tracking, or recipe pinning required.
- Mental clarity + energy: Advocates say they feel sharper and more energized once they adjust.
The Cons (aka, read the fine print):
- Missing micronutrients: Cutting out fruits, veggies, and fiber can leave you low on essential vitamins, antioxidants, and gut-loving fiber.
- Gut health questions: While some see improvement, others struggle with digestion and microbiome balance.
- Sustainability + social life: Eating this way long-term? Tough. Going to brunch with friends? Even tougher.
- Lack of research: There's still limited long-term data on how this affects heart health, hormone levels, and longevity.
The verdict: For some people, especially those dealing with autoimmune issues or chronic inflammation, the carnivore diet can be a reset. For others? It might be too restrictive and unsustainable. As always: listen to your body, not the internet.
So… What’s the Takeaway?
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to be “well.” In fact, please don’t.
Pick one or two things that spark curiosity, feel good, and fit into your actual, real, messy life. That’s where the magic is.
Try breathwork before your Zoom call. Sip some mineral water in the afternoon slump. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier and see how your body thanks you. Or hey, explore how your body feels when you eat more protein and fewer processed carbs—just don’t forget to tune into what feels right, not just what’s trending.
Wellness shouldn’t feel like punishment or performance.
It should feel like coming home to yourself.
Curious about trying one of these trends for yourself?
We’ve got full-body red light therapy, float tanks, and more at Altered States Wellness. Come visit—we love this stuff and would love to talk about it with you IRL.
And if you liked this breakdown, be sure to listen to the full episode of Altered States Unplugged—where we ask the question: Biohack or BS?
Trust us, it's a good one.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
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*We are not medical professionals, and the information provided in this blog and podcast is for informational purposes only. Wellness practices mentioned should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health.
